Athens, MN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,519
2.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$90,900/yr
2.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,746
1.8% year-over-year change

Athens population

How many people live in Athens

Athens is home to 4,519 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.8% of Athens locals are male, and 49.2% are female.

Total population
4,519
2.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.8%
2,298
Female
49.2%
2,221
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,298 50.8% 4.4%
Female 2,221 49.2% 0.9%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Athens is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.4% are children under 15, then 10.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.8% of the population, while another 27.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.7
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.4%
15 to 24
10.7%
25 to 44
27.8%
45 to 64
27.1%
Over 65
15%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 879 19.4% -1.4%
15 to 24 484 10.7% 3.0%
25 to 44 1,255 27.8% 4.9%
45 to 64 1,223 27.1% 3.0%
Over 65 678 15% 3.0%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Athens, 98.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 93.3% of locals are Caucasian, 0.1% are African American and 2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.3%
Non-citizens
0.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,433 98.1% 1.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 58 1.3% 176.2%
Non-citizens 28 0.6% -9.7%
Racial breakdown
White
93.3%
Black or African American
0.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.9%
Other
0.5%
Value Percent
White 4,216 93.3%
Black or African American 5 0.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 7 0.2%
Asian 90 2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 1 0%
Two or more races 178 3.9%
Other 21 0.5%

Households in Athens

A peek inside Athens households

Athens has 1,647 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 71.2% are families, while the remaining 28.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,647
2.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
474
Family households
1,173
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 474 28.8% -5.0%
Family households 1,173 71.2% 6.3%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Athens

The housing landscape of Athens

Athens's housing consists of 1,746 units, with 86.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 3.7% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 1.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,746
1.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,517 86.9%
1 unit, attached 65 3.7%
3 or 4 units 2 0.1%
5 to 9 units 4 0.2%
10 to 19 units 9 0.5%
20 to 49 units 71 4.1%
50 or more units 51 2.9%
Mobile home 27 1.6%
Homes built since 2020
55
150.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Athens

In Athens, the median construction year is 1993. About 6.4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 21.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 11.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 112 6.4% 2.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 10 0.6% -16.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 69 4% -20.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 79 4.5% 4.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 341 19.5% -2.9%
Built between 1980 and 1989 174 10% 3.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 331 19% 2.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 371 21.2% -4.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 204 11.7% 14.0%
Built in 2020 or later 55 3.2% 150.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Athens occupancy rates

Out of the 1,647 occupied housing units in Athens, 89.3% are owner-occupied, while 10.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,647
2.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
176
Owner occupied
1,471
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 176 10.7% -12.4%
Owner occupied 1,471 89.3% 5.0%
Unoccupied housing units
5.7%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Athens housing costs

Housing costs in Athens come to a median of $1,423 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,264.

Median housing costs per month
$1,423/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Athens
$1,264/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Athens

Athens education at a glance

About 43.3% of the population in Athens went to high school, while 23.6% pursued college studies. Another 13% earned an associate degree and 15.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 26 0.8% 13.0%
High school diploma 1,504 43.3% -2.0%
College diploma 821 23.6% 7.2%
Associate degree 453 13% 3.9%
Bachelor's degree 524 15.1% 19.4%
Graduate degree 143 4.1% -8.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Athens

How much people earn in Athens

The average annual household income in Athens was $102,076 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -2.2% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $90,900, reflecting a +2.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Athens
$102,076/year
-2.2% year-over-year change
Median household income in Athens
$90,900/year
2.6% year-over-year change

Athens income by age

In Athens, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $122,273. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $90,440 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $76,274, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $55,417 in earnings. Overall, 93.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $76,274 -0.8%
25 - 44 $122,273 6.0%
45 - 64 $90,440 -5.3%
Over 65 $55,417 5.8%
Above poverty level
4,141
Below poverty level
279
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,141 93.7% 4.2%
Below poverty level 279 6.3% -10.9%

Employment in Athens

Workforce and job types in Athens

68.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 31.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.5% run their own businesses, 64% are employed by private companies, and 15.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
1,652
Blue collar
755
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,652 68.6% 5.1%
Blue collar 755 31.4% 1.8%
Employer type
Self employees
11.5%
Private companies
64%
Governmental workers
15.4%
Not for profit companies
9.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 276 11.5% 4.5%
Private companies 1,540 64% 1.2%
Governmental workers 371 15.4% 30.2%
Not for profit companies 220 9.1% -10.2%

Transportation in Athens

How people get around in Athens

In Athens, the average commute time is 9 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 97.1% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
9 min
-10.0% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,959 97.1% 1.9%
Bus or trolleybus 12 0.6% -7.7%
Motorcycle 5 0.2% 66.7%
Walk 41 2% 24.2%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Athens by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
55040 14,837 5,408 $90,900 $102,517

Explore more communities

FAQs about Athens demographics 

What is the total population of Athens?

Athens has a total population of 4,519 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +2.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Athens?

The gender ratio in Athens is as follows:
  • 50.8% males (2,298 residents)
  • 49.2% females (2,221 residents)

What is the median age in Athens?

The median age in Athens is 38.7.

What is the age distribution of the population in Athens?

The age distribution in Athens is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.4% (879 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.7% (484 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.8% (1,255 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.1% (1,223 residents)
  • Over 65: 15% (678 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Athens?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Athens is as follows:
  • White: 93.3% (4,216 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.1% (5 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (7 residents)
  • Asian: 2% (90 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (1 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.9% (178 residents)
  • Other: 0.5% (21 residents)

What percentage of the population in Athens are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.1% of the population in Athens.

How many housing units are there in Athens?

There are 1,746 housing units in Athens, reflecting a +1.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Athens and what is the average household size?

Athens has a total of 1,647 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Athens?

Athens has a median household income of $90,900, representing a +2.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Athens?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 68.6% (1,652 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 31.4% (755 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.5% (276 residents)
  • Private companies: 64% (1,540 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15.4% (371 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.1% (220 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025